AMERICA'S HARDEST PRISONS

At the Wayne County Jail, officers and counsellors struggle to rehabilitate female offenders, including thieves, drug addicts and prostitutes.

Even Alaska has its share of bad guys, from drunk drivers to sex offenders, robbers to murderers, and there are 12 prisons to house them.

Colorado's Youthful Offender System aims to break down criminal habits and gang mentalities, from first-time convicts to street-savvy veterans.

Prison is hard, but getting out can be even harder. Most inmates leave with less than $200, needing a job and a bed before the cash runs out.

With sex offenders making up 75 per cent of its inmates, Fremont Correctional Facility is one of Colorado's most complicated prisons.

Built in 1925 and aging badly, Stateville Correctional is a dangerous place filled with dangerous men, nearly all serving 20 years minimum.